Macken joins Palace

Manchester City striker Jon Macken has joined Crystal Palace for an undisclosed fee after being told by Stuart Pearce he had no future at Eastlands.

The 27-year-old, who signed for City for £5 million from Preston in 2002, failed to establish himself as a regular first-team player and has decided to continue his career elsewhere.

Coca-Cola Championship club Palace, relegated from the top flight last season, moved quickly to recruit Macken, who has an impressive goalscoring record in the division.

Macken said: "I was very disappointed to be told by Stuart Pearce that I would not figure highly in his plans for next season".

Sunderland manager Mick McCarthy has completed his first summer as he signed Daryl Murphy for £100,000.

The 22-year-old striker joined from Waterford signed a two-year contract after passing a medical.

Following the deal McCarthy said: "He is a targetman, a big, powerful striker and I am looking forward to seeing him here. We believe he has a bright future and I am delighted we have been able to bring him to Sunderland."

McCarthy is pursuing a series of other targets and will hope more will follow within days.

Ipswich keeper Kelvin Davis is in talks with the club after Sunderland had a £750,000 bid accepted, while they are due to talk to Blackburn striker Jon Stead over a £1.8 million move.

Davis' Portman Road team-mate Tommy Miller has promised the Wearsiders an answer when he returns from his honeymoon at the end of the month, although Leeds are also interested in the midfielder.